After a brief run as a recording-only project based in Austin, founding vocalist David Yow, bassist David Wm. Sims and guitarist Duane Denison relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1989, finding kindred spirits in recording engineer Steve Albini and the Touch and Go Records imprint. With the addition of drummer Mac McNeilly, they began operating as a live band, expanding their following beyond Chicago's alternative scene into an international audience. Drummer Jim Kimball replaced McNeilly late in 1996, and was himself replaced by Brendan Murphy two years later.
Despite releasing a split single with leading alt-rockers Nirvana and signing to Capitol Records, the band failed to find commercial success amid the alternative rock explosion of the 1990s, and disbanded in 1999. Their reunion from 2008 to 2010 and following tour enjoyed positive responses from audiences and critics.
In October 2013, The Jesus Lizard were set to play at the All Tomorrow's Parties event Release the Bats in Melbourne, Australia. They cancelled this show due to "unforeseen circumstances."
Members:
David Yow - vocals;
Duane Denison - guitars;
David Wm. Sims - bass;
Mac McNeilly - drums.
Former members:
Jim Kimball - drums;
Brendan Murphy - drums.
http://www.thejesuslizard.net
Zachariah
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This mister strides into some shitty township
Like Moses
The people like the Red Sea
Like Moses
The townfolk like the Red Sea
He does not stride
He smokes into town, goddamn
Like dust with boots on
He's looking around and it's making him smile
He's pushing them around
Because it makes him smile
These bastards' disgrace is conspicuous
They creep away
The Jesus Lizard's song "Zachariah" is a reflection on power dynamics and the ability for one person to completely shift the energy of a room. The mister in the song is described as larger than life, akin to Moses, and his presence causes the people around him to react as though they are parting like the Red Sea. However, there is an underlying sense of danger and unpredictability in this character - he doesn't stroll or stride into town, he "smokes" into town like a threatening cloud of dust with boots on. As the lyrics progress, it becomes clear that this mister is not a benevolent leader, but rather a domineering force who takes pleasure in pushing people around and making them feel small.
The song touches on themes of control, manipulation, and the use of fear to assert power. The mister's ability to make people afraid and then revel in their discomfort is reminiscent of an abusive relationship, where the abuser takes pleasure in the emotional turmoil they create. The contrast between his larger-than-life presence and the smallness of the townfolk around him only serves to highlight how overpowering and oppressive he is.
Line by Line Meaning
This mister strolls into some town
This man casually walks into a small town
Like Moses
Similar to the story of Moses parting the Red Sea
The people like the Red Sea
The citizens of the town part to make way for the man
My mistake, he does not stroll
Correction, he's not walking casually
He does not stride
He's not walking with long steps
He smokes into town, goddamn
He enters the town with a sense of arrogance and dominance
Like dust with boots on
He walks around with the intention of stirring up chaos
He's looking around and it's making him smile
He enjoys the feeling of power and control
He's pushing them around
He's manipulating and bullying the townspeople
Because it makes him smile
He derives pleasure from asserting his authority
These bastards' disgrace is conspicuous
Their incompetence and weakness is obvious to the man
They creep away
The townspeople are fearful and back away from the man's intimidation tactics
Contributed by Nicholas E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.